Biocompatibility and FAQs

Dental Biocompatibility and Esthetics

When you undergo a biocompatibility test, you get a report with a list of materials commonly used for different dental treatments, grouped as highly toxic, moderately toxic and non-toxic for your body.

If you are planning to get dental work, you will need to have this test done to determine safe dental materials, such as fillings, cements, bonds, etc.You get a 62-page report that can be taken to any dentist in the future to assure you that you will not have materials that are toxic to your immune system placed in your body ever again.

A blood sample must be submitted for analysis at least two weeks prior to your dental work. Also, if you want to have a diagnosis of the actual state of your body, you can request hair analysis testing. This test determines the essential and non-essential potentially toxic elements stored in your body’s tissues. This mineral analysis can give an important clue as to what your blood is trying to do and is especially valuable when combined with blood chemistry analysis and your personal history. A kit may be acquired from the American Bio-Dental Center and hair samples are mailed directly to Matrix, Inc.

Preparations Prior To Treatment

1. Biocompatibility ExamPrior to treatment, you will need to have a biocompatibility exam performed in order to choose the dental materials that are safest or least offensive to your immune system.For more information on how to begin this process call us or send an email.

3. Signed Informed ConsentYou will have time to read and sign a form before starting the treatment. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

4. X-RaysDepending on the type of treatment you need, you may need to bring or e-mail a set of X-rays in order to design the best treatment plan. If you don’t have the X-rays, we can take them.

Biocompatibility – FAQs

What are biocompatible materials?Biocompatibility refers to those materials that are more compatible with each patient, which are determined by a blood test.These are materials that can be used in the mouth and won’t affect the immune system of each specific patient.

What is the significance of heavy metals?Heavy metals are an emerging factor in environmental health. They can affect the immune systems of some individuals. Heavy metals include lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, beryllium, and aluminum.

What is the problem with mercury?Mercury is in the news constantly now with warnings about fish taken from the ocean, lakes and streams containing it being a possible health problem if consumed more than twice a month. A zero tolerance level has been established for mercury whether in pure form, mixed as in amalgam, or vapor as when subject to hot liquids such as soup, tea, or coffee. Its effects have been noted particularly on hemoglobin, nerve cells and certain yeasts in the digestive tract.

Many people do not realize that “silver” amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature, and in this state, is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Inhaled mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person’s body than all other sources of mercury combined. Mercury is a powerful poison; published research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless, especially considering its cumulative effect.

Is there an associated health risk?Mercury is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the earth. Most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on the use of mercury in all products. However, the potential harmful effects of mercury fillings have been ignored by the US Government. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury has produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer’s disease.

Who are holistic dentists?They recognize the impact of toxic materials and the way they relate to dental and physiological health. These dentists are concerned with the integrity of the oral cavity and use materials and procedures in their practices that are systemically compatible.

Why is biocompatibility important?More than anything, it’s a matter of balance; being in balance is the secret of health. Mind, spirit, body, diet and environment are often imbalanced by very minute changes over long periods of time.Such is the case with mercury and other heavy metals available from multiple sources, such as hair dyes, certain types of food, smoke stack emissions, mercury based fillings, vaccines with thimerosal, broken thermometers or fluorescent bulbs, playing with liquid mercury…

There are several situations in which we are all exposed to toxic elements such as mercury, whether in its methyl form, as vapor, liquid or combined as in amalgam. Some people are little affected while others manifest symptoms that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment.Often it is a matter of a small exposure that puts the patient’s health over the line. Biocompatibility looks to keep some of those toxic materials out of your body, improving your health dramatically.